How Big Should the Button Down Shirt Be?

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Christene502
Christene502 Member Posts: 115
edited April 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hoping you can provide suggestions - I am having a double mastectomy in May. I purchased ladies button down shirts in a XL and plus size 1. All were snug in the breast area. I'm a large breasted woman (for now) Even though I wear that size. Had to return.

I then went to the mens depart and figured I try that. I purchased XXL shirts. Came home and tried them on. I am swimming in them. Huge... Plenty of room. Not sure if I should if I should keep the XXL or go down to a XL.

I am wondering how big should the button down shirt be to accommodate the bandages and drains?

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  • Fritzmylove
    Fritzmylove Member Posts: 330
    edited April 2019

    You need to be able to get the shirt on without moving your arms far from your body. I was able to wear button downs that were my current size, but the first few days I needed help from my husband to get them on. Sizing up one size should be enough. I woke up in a surgical bra with 2 drains. They don’t take up much room. And I had tissue expanders placed and filled 40% so not totally flat after BMX. Good luck!

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited April 2019

    will you have tissue expanders, immediate reconstruction or flat? Not that it really matters. One size bigger will be fine. I suggest goodwill or other thrift store. Honestly i never wore any of the “recommended” items. I was able to pull an oversized tshirt on. I didn’t have bandages, simply surgical glue. For the drains you’ll want something to pin them to. A lanyard or shoe string around your neck works in the shower; a fannypack type thing can work for other times. I found the surgeon’s nurse staff to be very helpful in preparing for post surgery. I met with mine face to face about a week prior to surgery.

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  • Christene502
    Christene502 Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2019

    Thanks for your reply.

    Fritzmylove - I have a frozen shoulder due to a fracture and bone infection. I have found ways to get on/off tops. This should be interesting not moving my arms at all.

    Runrcrb - I will not have reconstruction, going flat. I have a lanyard, fanny pack. Seeing the BS nurse in two weeks to go over everything. Marshalls mens XXL shirts were only ten bucks. Doable. Maybe just keep a few on hand, just in case. I can always fine one of my husband's XL shirt to put on if need be... They just look like mens shirts...nothing pretty...lol

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited April 2019

    Christine I lived in front zip hoodies and a lovely little zip up mumu (spelling?) that I bought at Wal-mart. I only did a button up shirt if I was going out in public. Hubs wanted me to burn that mumu after I was finished wearing it ha

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  • Christene502
    Christene502 Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2019

    Rah2464 Thanks for the chuckle. My hubby would want me to do the same... I have tons of Columbia fleece zip jackets... so cozy during the winter and cold nights. Not sure if they will be comfortable in May. Do hope the weather turns nicer than...I also bought front zipper robes. I have some zipped up sweat jackets that are worn, thanks for the suggestion... I will go buy some new ones... Always an excuse to go shopping.... hehe he


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